The Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company is in the process of acquiring land near its current station as part of a long-term plan to meet the future needs of the department and the community it serves.

Fire officials made the announcement on social media and at the township meeting Tuesday night.

They emphasized that the land acquisition is being funded entirely through the company’s fundraising efforts. Any future construction on the property also would be paid for through continued fundraising and grant opportunities, officials said.

The department said the purchase is intended to prepare for the future as modern firefighting equipment continues to grow in size.

“Our fire station was constructed at a time when the fire apparatus was significantly smaller and the needs of the fire service were very different,” the company said in a statement. “Modern fire apparatus is larger, taller and requires additional space to safely operate, maintain and house.”

Officials said planning now will help ensure future generations of firefighters have the facilities and resources needed to continue providing service to township residents.

The company acknowledged that a project of this nature may generate questions from the public and said it is committed to keeping residents informed as plans move forward.

“We look forward to providing updates as this process progresses,” the statement said.

The department also thanked residents, supporters, volunteers and community partners for their continued support.

“Your support allows us to continue planning for the future while maintaining the equipment and resources necessary to protect our community today,” the statement said.

Fire officials noted that the township’s fire tax will continue to be used only for its designated purposes, including apparatus replacement, fuel, apparatus insurance and workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters.

Assistant Chief Brian Krische said details about the potential land purchase are being withheld while discussions continue.

“As of right now we are not sharing the owner’s name or location of the property we wish to acquire,” Krische said. “The land is in the process of being surveyed and discussions with the owner.”

Firefighter John Knobloch said department representatives have been meeting with state and federal lawmakers to explore funding opportunities that could help support future projects.

“We have had our two senators at our station to talk about grants to fund our projects,” Knobloch said. “U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie came to our station for us to learn more about available grant funding opportunities.”

Knobloch said the current station lacks sufficient space for the department’s growing equipment fleet and for its role as an emergency shelter.

“Our station is just not big enough for our apparatus and when it turns into a shelter for residents when there are emergencies like power outages,” he said. “We offer cooling-off times for residents in the summer that do not have air conditioning. We are a designated shelter, a warming center.”